In a land-use decision that has potentially far-reaching implications for every town on the Vineyard, a superior court judge ruled last week that the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) cannot be sued because of sovereign immunity.

If allowed to stand, the ruling by the Hon. Richard F. Connon has the power to turn a landmark 1983 Indian land claims settlement on its head.

The Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust received an extraordinary financial boost from contributors participating in the 18th annual Taste of the Vineyard on Thursday and the Patrons Party and Auction on Saturday night. As of yesterday the preservation trust reported income of $170,000 from both events after expenses.

A Shadow Looming on Possible Dreams

Carly Simon Has Been Big Fundraiser for Community Services Auction; Now She Backs Union Workers

By MANDY LOCKE

The poster child for the Possible Dreams Auction stepped into the middle of an escalating salary dispute at Martha's Vineyard Community Services last week.

If you tune in to one of the three new community access cable channels, the picture is clear. The background story at the fledgling television station is anything but.

Last week, the station manager at Martha's Vineyard Community Television (MVTV) quit, just 3 1/2 months after she and her two children relocated to the Vineyard from Missoula, Mont.

Vineyard Voyagers Set a Course from Island Harbor to Hudson

By BRETT FERRY

Three hours after Mabel's planned departure time, her builder, Myles Thurlow, shimmies to the top of the main mast to attach a VHF radio antenna. Countless details are attended to as the crew prepares to shove off from the Coastwise Packet Co. dock and sail west.

Homeland Security Yields Big Grants

Close to a Million in Federal Dollars Is Designated for Steamship Authority and for Town of Oak Bluffs

By JULIA WELLS

Homeland security came home this week when federal officials announced the award of two hefty grants totaling some $900,000 to improve port security on the Vineyard and in Woods Hole.

The money will go to the Steamship Authority ($624,000) and the Oak Bluffs emergency management department ($285,000).